Dayna Bass

Wood, a global consulting and engineering powerhouse, has announced it has secured a significant $17 million contract with a leading petrochemical company in the Middle East. The contract will focus on improving plant efficiency and cutting emissions at a process manufacturing facility. Focus on Sustainability and Emission Reduction This 18-month project is designed to enhance operations at the petrochemical plant by incorporating a new heat recovery unit into the existing system. The new technology is projected to drive a significant reduction in CO2 emissions, potentially eliminating 110 kilo-tonnes of carbon dioxide per year, which is equivalent to taking 22,000 cars…

Scotland continues to grapple with a severe drug death crisis, as 2024 statistics highlight a tragic and ongoing problem. At the same time, Glasgow's highly anticipated opening of the UK's first drug-consumption room faces further delays, bringing both hope and frustration to those involved in harm reduction efforts. Drug Deaths in Scotland: A Grim Reality Scotland has been struggling with one of the highest drug death rates in Europe, a crisis that has persisted for years. New data released this week reveals that drug-related deaths in Scotland remain alarmingly high, reflecting the scale of the country's addiction problems. In 2024,…

BBC Scotland has announced that its employees are now required to work in the office just two days a week if their job functions allow them to work from home. This policy, introduced more than two years after the end of Covid-19 restrictions, has sparked mixed reactions and raised questions about the BBC’s commitment to supporting local businesses. Flexible Work Policy Draws Criticism The decision to allow a significant number of BBC Scotland staff to work from home part-time has raised eyebrows, particularly as the UK broadcaster grapples with challenges, including a £5 increase in the annual TV licence fee…

Scotland’s fish farming industry, worth hundreds of millions, plays a crucial role in the country's economy. But while it provides jobs and boosts local communities, it's also sparked significant debate over its environmental and welfare practices. Fish farms are common on Scotland's coasts and islands, with over 200 facilities in operation. Here’s a breakdown of how the industry works and why it has become a controversial topic. How Fish Farming Works in Scotland Fish farming in Scotland is primarily focused on salmon, with the majority of farms located on the west and north-west coasts. The farming process begins onshore, where…

Danish turbine manufacturer Vestas has secured a significant deal in Scotland's rapidly growing offshore wind power sector, marking a key milestone in a $3 billion co-production project between European and Chinese firms. Vestas has received a firm order for its giant V236 offshore wind turbines from the Sino-Irish owned Inch Cape offshore wind farm. This collaboration is set to showcase the synergy between European expertise and Chinese manufacturing capabilities, paving the way for future offshore wind projects across Europe. A Major Step for Vestas and Offshore Wind in Scotland In a landmark deal announced on December 13, 2024, Vestas has…

The countdown to the announcement of Scotland's Christmas Home of the Year is on, with five festive finalists vying for the title when the popular BBC show airs on Monday, 16 December at 8pm on BBC One Scotland. The judges of this year's Christmas edition of Scotland's Home of the Year have toured homes across the country, including those in Lesmahagow, Cumbernauld, Dalkeith, Alloa, and Fraserburgh. Interior designers Anna Campbell-Jones and Banjo Beale, alongside architect Danny Campbell, will be judging the homes based on architectural merit, stylish interiors, and, of course, festive flair. Here’s a look at the finalists: 1.…

New proposals from the Scottish government could bring significant changes to road speed limits, with plans to reduce the speed limit for cars on single carriageways while increasing it for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs). The aim is to improve road safety and curb the rising number of fatalities. Car Speed Limits to Drop: What’s Behind the Change? Under the new proposals, speed limits for cars could be reduced from 60mph to 50mph on certain single carriageways. This move is part of a broader initiative to tackle the alarming rise in road fatalities, which have increased by 26% compared to last…

In a surprising twist, Kodagu, the picturesque district in Karnataka famously known as the "Scotland of India," is grappling with an unusual heatwave. This district, once revered for its cool and temperate climate, is now seeing temperatures soar to a staggering 35°C, sending ripples of concern through its residents and visitors alike. Kodagu, a haven of misty hills and lush greenery, is no stranger to rainfall. However, this year, the region is battling an extreme drought, leaving its rolling hills parched and its trademark fog absent. The very essence of the region seems to be changing, with the once cool…

Highland activist Peter Todd, a well-known critic of the Scottish Government's centralization of health services, has revealed that he was visited by two officers from Police Scotland over sensitive documents he obtained through Freedom of Information (FoI) requests. FoI Requests Uncover Unredacted Information Todd, who has gained attention for his frequent use of FoI legislation, recently received unredacted documents from the Scottish Government. These included WhatsApp messages sent during the Covid-19 pandemic by Alyson Stafford, Director General of the Scottish Exchequer. The messages, which were part of his broader campaign to challenge decisions on health service centralization in the Highlands,…

Brack Tours, a leading travel operator specializing in excursions across Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Scotland, has unveiled a new service that promises to elevate the travel experience for those seeking more flexibility and personalization. Their bespoke tour packages allow travelers to craft their dream vacations with a level of customization that caters to individual interests, pace, and preferences. Tailor-Made Adventures for Every Traveler Brack Tours has long been known for its expertly organized group travel experiences. However, with the launch of its bespoke packages, the company is expanding its offerings to cater to those who prefer a more independent, self-directed…